Toya Da Body, a popular trans woman and social media influencer, was found dead in a parking lot in Georgia on December 27, 2020. Her death has sparked outrage and grief among her fans and the LGBTQ+ community, who are demanding justice and answers. Here is what we know so far about the mysterious circumstances of Toya Da Body’s death.
Contents
The Discovery of the Body
According to MadameNoire, Toya Da Body’s body was found by a woman who was walking her dog in front of Raising Canes Chicken Fingers at 795 Baxter Street in Athens. The coroner, Sonny Wilson, said there were no initial signs of foul play but stated that the autopsy will determine the result of the investigation.
However, Toya Da Body was initially misgendered by the coroner, who identified her as a man wearing “lady’s sleepwear”. This caused confusion and anger among her friends and supporters, who corrected the authorities and the media about her gender identity.
The Last Moments of Toya Da Body
Toya Da Body’s friends told the police that they saw someone in a white SUV pull up and speak to her on the night of her death. It is unknown whether she entered the vehicle or not. But Classic City News reported that when they looked again, “Kimberly was no longer in sight”. Kimberly Patricia Cope was Toya Da Body’s legal name.
Toya Da Body’s friends reported that they last saw her between 1-3 am. Her body was transported on January 4, 2021, to undergo an autopsy at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s State Crime Lab.
The Reaction of the Community
Toya Da Body’s death has been mourned by many people who knew her or followed her online. She was known for her beauty, charisma, and humor. She had over 100,000 followers on Instagram and over 50,000 subscribers on YouTube, where she posted videos about her life, fashion, and music.
Toya Da Body was also an advocate for trans rights and visibility. She spoke openly about her transition and the challenges she faced as a Black trans woman. She also participated in events and campaigns to raise awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Many people have expressed their condolences and tributes to Toya Da Body on social media, using hashtags like #JusticeForToyaDaBody and #SayHerName. Some have also called for an investigation into her death and the possible involvement of hate crime or violence.
The Context of Transphobia and Violence
Toya Da Body’s death is not an isolated incident. According to The Human Rights Campaign, 2020 was the deadliest year on record in terms of Black and Latinx women in the trans community. There were 43 known victims of violent deaths.
The report also stated that “the intersections of racism, sexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and unchecked access to guns” are factors that contribute to the high rates of violence against trans people, especially trans women of color.
The report urged for more action and accountability from the government, law enforcement, media, and society to protect and respect the lives and dignity of trans people.
The Conclusion
Toya Da Body was a beloved and influential figure in the trans community and beyond. Her death has left a void in many hearts and raised many questions about the safety and justice for trans people in America. As we await more details about her cause of death, we hope that her legacy will live on through her family, friends, and fans. Rest in power, Toya Da Body.
